Narrative in Music Promos

Illustration: the promo basically illustrates the ideas and narrative in the song lyrics through the video.

• Kate Nash 'Foundations' - www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryH5cga0yUI 

This video is illustration as shows the meanings behind the video. For example the use of houses link to the lyrics 'the cracks in our foundations'.


Amplification: uses a key idea / image from the lyrics and the concept is developed in the promo. There is a link between the lyrics and the promo.

• Rihanna 'Disturbia' - www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1mU6h4Xdxc

This video is amplification as the lyrics are basically the image of the video. For example the use of mise-en-scene, lighting etc develop the lyrics of "Your mind is in disturbia, It's like the darkness is the light, Disturbia, Am I scaring you tonight?" reinforce the scary video.


Disjuncture: the promo bears no resemblance to lyric or its meaning and is abstract. It usually unconventional and is arty. This creates a new meaning for the song.

• Red Hot Chili Peppers 'Can't Stop' - www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfOdWSiyWoc

This video is disjuncture as the lyrics and the video have no connection at all. The video is very arty and is actually based on ‘one minute sculptures’ of Erwin Wurm. It includes lots of light and art features. It creates a new meaning of time and how they can't stop.